Upon returning to sunny Los Angeles to prepare for my third quarter of grad school, I can’t help but relive the incredible moments of the past week in Boston- along with a side day trip to Portland, Maine.

A lot has happened, a lot of eating, a lot of drinking, a lot of hugging, and most importantly, a lot of listening and learning what my friends have been going through in their lives. It was exhilarating and inspiring to say the least. All I can say is, I’m so honored to be friends with all my friends who are doing great things in the world, impacting their peers and community in incredible ways. I hope you all know how great you are!

Instead of boring you with my thoughts, I figured I should entice you with my regular food photos. Except, this time it’s not so regular. These two meals I’m about to show you are two of the best meals in Portland and Boston. They’re both must haves if you find yourself in those cities.

PORTLAND, MAINE

First of all, The Front Room in Portland, Maine has an outrageous brunch and a comforting intriguing atmosphere. It’s a local community favorite as the outside decor looks simply like a cute charming house. It even took us a while to find the restaurant. Once we did, we quickly realized why it was so popular! With an open kitchen and great prices for the food, everyone was stumbling in for the experience.

Merely a couple blocks away from the water, it’s the perfect place to go for brunch on a weekend. Go early to put your name down, and while you wait, take a walk to the water and enjoy the view!

TIP for The Front Room brunch: if you’re with a small group, look out for free seats at the bar! (Especially if you’re hungry- while everyone else has to wait in line for a table) The bartender is friendly, and who doesn’t like sitting at the bar for a meal? It’s so authentic.

Before getting to THE Boston brunch meal, let me give a quick shout out to the Allagash Brewing Company! Located in an offbeat location, along with a few other smaller breweries such as Bissell Brothers brewing company, Austin Street brewery, etc. They offer free tasting of delicious beers, and has a very welcome vibe! If you want to take their brewery tour, make sure you sign up online in advance!

I can’t wait to go back to Portland and try more local beers!

BOSTON

Next, arguably one of Boston’s best brunch spots- Trina’s Starlite Lounge! They serve a deadly scrumptious brunch Sundays from 11-3 and uniquely Mondays from 12-4. But let me warn you, don’t be fooled. Monday’s are JUST as busy as the weekend- so be ready to wait for seats but while you wait, check out this insane cocktail list:

As we ate our mid-afternoon brunch at the bar, we were accompanied on the TV by Tom & Jerry, Powerpuff girls, Garfield and other great cartoons- as well as- great old school hip hop jams. What a great day!

Seriously though, don’t leave Boston without trying the brunch at Trina’s! After you stuff yourself with insane amounts of American comfort food, head on over to the Top of the Hub on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower, get yourself a drink and watch the sun go down.

Oh Boston, you’re such a beautiful city. I am really glad I missed all your crazy snow storms this year- but I do miss you and love all the great things you have to offer. I did not appreciate you as much as I should’ve in the past year before I came out to LA and I’m sorry for that.